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iOS 7 Activation Lock Feature Fails to Deliver

One of the biggest features touted by Apple in the iOS7 release is the ability to use iCloud to use “Find my iPhone” to lock the device. The primary goal of the feature is to reduce how many iPods, iPads, and iPhones are stolen. Activating the feature is supposed to make the device inaccessible to anyone, even after they’ve restored or wiped the contents of the device, rendering it completely useless. The question is, does the feature work? Unfortunately, the feature isn’t as effective as anticipated.

Overview of the activation lock feature

Users of Apple devices with iOS 7 simply have to create an iCloud account and go to “settings” to enable the feature. It allows the user to remotely disable or allow the use of their device right from Apple’s website. Even if the individual knows the password, those who have activated “Find my iPhone” can disable or reset the device, even after a factory reset. It was possible for thieves to restore the device if they had the pass code and re-sell the device before the update.

Why it’s inefficient

Feature use – Not all Apple users will use the new feature and will rely on the pass code feature as the primary security feature. If the user didn’t enable the feature, it’s useless.

Value reduction – A phone with the activation lock is not nearly as valuable as one without, but the phone can be parted out to make some money for desperate individuals. They can sell the screen, battery, chips, or camera to make a quick buck.

Visual appearance – Many iPhones look similar, and thieves aren’t contemplating how much the device is worth if it’s possible to make some money.

Still selling – Taking a quick look on eBay will show that Apple devices with the activation lock are still selling, even with full disclosure.

More victims

People looking to buy used Apple devices can purchase devices that are virtually useless if they aren’t aware of the common scams and lengths people will go to sell a stolen device, finding this out after they’ve likely sought

iPhone repair. Both the original owner and the buyer lose out, while the thief walks away with money. The activation lock feature will always be enabled until the original owner changes it. Some users forget to disable the passcode or erase personal information before selling or trading in their device, which makes it impossible for the new owner to use.

Apple had good intentions but didn’t seem to think things through thoroughly before the release.